Design Manager – Brighton
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly experienced Design Manager to lead engineering design delivery across a portfolio of major infrastructure projects. This role will act as the central point of contact for all design‑related matters, ensuring seamless collaboration between internal teams, design consultants, delivery partners and key stakeholders.
You will shape the full engineering lifecycle – from project definition through outline and detailed design, all the way to construction, commissioning and handover. This is a leadership position with genuine influence, innovation opportunity, and the ability to drive technical excellence across a multi‑disciplinary environment.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership
Lead and manage engineering design delivery for assigned projects.
Drive engineering assurance across internal teams and external partners.
Ensure design outputs are technically robust, cost‑effective and aligned with project objectives.
Develop engineering project plans, covering scope, schedule, cost, risk and resources.
Champion design quality and a right‑first‑time approach.
Support innovation, best practice and continuous improvement across the programme.
Oversee supplier and subcontractor design contributions, ensuring integration with overall project requirements.
Produce and review designs that prioritise health & safety, environmental impact, construction feasibility and stakeholder needs.
Project Delivery
Work collaboratively with project management, construction, commercial and operational teams.
Identify opportunities for value engineering and improved affordability.
Support programme milestones and efficiencies.
Contribute to sustainable design, including carbon reduction and natural capital enhancement.
Assist with project risk management and value optimisation.
Health & Safety
Ensure compliance with CDM regulations and manage design‑related safety risks.
Proactively address health, safety and wellbeing issues within the design environment.
Team Leadership & Development
Provide strong leadership to the design team, fostering an inclusive and positive working culture.
Mentor and develop team members, identifying skills gaps and supporting recruitment where needed.
Promote diversity, wellbeing and a collaborative approach across the programme.
Essential Requirements
Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) with a degree in an engineering discipline.
Extensive engineering design, construction and management experience.
Proven background leading multi‑disciplinary technical teams.
Strong knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes.
Skilled in driving innovation and optimising engineering solutions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to translate complex technical information.
Strong organisational skills with experience managing multiple deliverables.
Experience with engineering quality procedures and document control.
A passion for environmental improvement and sustainable engineering.
Ability to influence stakeholders across multi‑functional teams.
Full UK driving licence.
What you need to do now
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